Class Notes

of Apollo Beach, died May 15, 2014. Survived by wife, Gail; children, Michael, Gary & Lyn; 3 grands; 2 great-grands; brothers, Jack & Jim. Dobies Funeral Home, Tarpon

James Raymond (Jim) Barber, 80, of Chandler, Arizona, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Thursday, September 19, 2019. Jim was born in Prosser, Washington. He graduated from Prosser High School in 1957 and joined the United States Marine Corps. On May 17, 1958, he married Shirley Brumbaugh in Hernando, Mississippi. After his honorable discharge from the Marine Corps in 1961, Jim worked as an electronics technician in the aircraft industry for North American Aviation, in Anaheim, California and Boeing in Seattle, Washington. In 1964 he moved his family to Prosser while he took a two-year assignment for RCA in Thule, Greenland to work on a ballistic missile early warning system project. Upon his return to Prosser, he worked as an electronics technician on nuclear reactors at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation for General Electric and Atlantic Richfield until 1969. He left the nuclear industry at that point to join his father in farming dry land wheat on the Horse Heaven Hills above Prosser. In 1980 Jim gave up farming to return to the nuclear industry starting with Westinghouse at Hanford as an Instrument Specialist for the Fast Flux Test Facility. He left Westinghouse in 1982 to pursue contract work for nuclear plants around the United States as an Instrument & Controls (I&C) Startup Engineer. In his later years Jim switched from nuclear engineering to procedure writing that included administrative procedures detailing new integrated work management processes and preventive maintenance instructions at the Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico. He also prepared and facilitated training on I&C basics, compressed air system basics, and integrated work management processes. Jim relocated to Arizona with his wife in 2005. He continued work as a procedure writer and trainer in the nuclear industry until 2015. During his career in the electronics and nuclear industries he held a Q Clearance with the Department of Energy and a Secret Clearance with the Department of Defense. Jim was a member of the Masons Euclid Lodge 125 in Prosser, Washington since 1967 and a Past Master of that lodge since 1974. He is preceded in death by his parents John Vern Barber and W. Berenice (Evans) Barber. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Shirley (Brumbaugh) Barber, his three daughters, Cynthia West, Pam Goux, and Beth Ivins, sisters Patti Roberts and Nancy Dolph, and granddaughters Lindsay Ivins, Kelly Ivins, Claire Goux, and Emma West. A celebration of life event will take place at Brookdale North Chandler (2555 N Price Rd, Chandler, AZ 85224) on Sunday, October 13th from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM with remarks from family and friends at 3:30 PM. Interment of ashes with military honors will take place at Valley of the Sun Cemetery in Chandler, Arizona on Friday, October 18th at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations in Jim’s name be made to MDS-foundation.org. Donation acknowledgements can be entered on the site to Shirley Barber, 168 E Grove Ave., Mesa, AZ 85210.

Donald S. Barbour, 86, of Orlando, FL, passed away on August 2, 2013. He was born in Jacksonville and grew up in Riverside. He was a big Florida Gator who graduated in journalism in 1950. He and his wife Kitty ’48, whom he met at Maryville College in Tennessee, moved with their young daughter Sally to Jackson, Mississippi, where their son John was born, and where Don worked for the Clarion Ledger. He loved newspapers, journalism and advertising. The Barbours came to Orlando in 1953, where Don worked first for the Chamber of Commerce and then founded Barbour Truck Ads, and eventually Barbour Outdoor Advertising. When he sold that company, he founded Barbour and Monroe Marketing Research where he was a consultant to newspapers nationwide for a number of years. A businessman who was civic minded, he was an active member of Kiwanis Club and the YMCA, Chairman of the Board of the Salvation Army and Elder at First Presbyterian Church. He was very active in the Democratic party and a great supporter of Claude Pepper, LeRoy Collins, and Lawton Childs. He was a fun person to be around. He found funny things in everything. He liked to be in charge. He is survived by his wife Kitty, his daughter Sally, his son John and his family, wife Laurie and children Hannah and Andrew.

Passes away on March 29, 2015. As an only child born in Clarksville, Tennessee in 1926, Kitty Johnson moved with her parents to Hopkinsville, Kentucky where she spent her childhood. She attended Maryville College in Tennessee and met Don Barbour in English class. Introducing himself, he announced he was going to marry her. In 1946, they married, moved to his home state of Florida and transferred to University of Florida. Kitty received a BA in Psychology in 1948 and was proud to be in the first U of F class that graduated women. She and Don were serious Gator fans. Moving to Orlando in 1953, Don founded several businesses and Kitty worked as his secretary, accountant, and overall superior human resource. Also active in the community, she especially enjoyed serving as President of Young Women’s Community Club where she was known as “our Beloved Kitty.” Kitty was a devoted student of the Bible. A born story-teller and teacher, she delighted in leading Bible study in Women of the Church Circles at Park Lake, First Presbyterian and Grace Covenant over the years, as well as teaching Vacation Bible School and Sunday school for children of all ages. A highlight of her working life was her role as the first Activities Director at Westminster Towers. The friends she made there and during her many years in in Orlando were a source of much joy throughout her life. She loved a good joke and tried to learn one to share every day. One of her many sayings was that Laughter and Friends are good for the Soul. She is survived by her daughter, Sally Barbour, her son and his wife, John and Laurie Barbour, and their children Hannah and Andrew. Kitty will be deeply missed by her family and friends, but we carry on with love, joy and laughter as she taught us to do. A celebration of Kitty’s life will be held at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church, Saturday, April 11, at 2:30pm. In keeping with her wishes, the family asks that in lieu of flowers contributions be made to Westminster Retirement Community Foundation.

Eleanor Marjorie Stout Barker, 94, formerly of Knoxville, died April 25, 2018, at Foothills Presbyterian Community in Easley, S.C. She was born Feb. 18, 1924, in Fitchburg, Mass., to the late George and Marion Stout. She grew up in Fitchburg; Birmingham, Ala.; and Brooklyn, N.Y. After earning a degree in psychology from Maryville College and working in New York City, she married the late Rev. Donald L. Barker, whom she met at Maryville College. She supported her husband in his ministry in rural southeastern Illinois; White Pine and Dandridge, Tenn.; North Hills Presbyterian Church in Knoxville; Vincennes, Ind.; Little Rock. Ark.; and Kirk Hills Presbyterian in east Knoxville. Mrs. Barker later was a member of Second Presbyterian Church in Knoxville and Easley Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Barker taught elementary school in Knoxville while raising four sons and was an administrator for the Presbytery of Arkansas. The Barkers also opened their home to several teenagers, serving as foster parents or legal guardians. After retiring, she volunteered for several organizations in Knoxville, including Meals on Wheels and Habitat for Humanity, which in 2013 honored her as Volunteer of the Year. Mrs. Barker also was an avid flower gardener. Family survivors include her sister, Catherine Beals of Knoxville; sons and daughters-in-law: George and Jane Barker of Virginia, Paul Christopher Barker of Atlanta, Phil and Sue Barker of Easley, David Barker of Charlotte; grandchildren and spouses: Erik and Mahjooba Bianchi, Emily Barker and Jeff Maxim, Lindsey Barker and Mark Dolgin, Erin and Matthew Lundy and Brad Barker; nephews: Jack and Scott Wilson, Joe and Brent Beals of Knoxville and Steve, Dan, Jim and Fred Barker; niece: Nancy Wilson; great-grandchildren: Rehana, Enzo and Aleeza Bianchi and Lily Dolgin. In addition to her husband, Donald Barker, she was preceded in death by her sister, Marion Wilson; sister-in-law, Kiyoko Barker; and brothers-in-law the Rev. Dr. Stanton Wilson, Dr. Joe Beals of Knoxville and the Rev. Robert Barker of Japan. A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. May 5 at Easley Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Habitat for Humanity (knoxvillehabitatforhumanity.com) or Maryville College (maryvillecollege.edu/giving). Condolences may be expressed online at www.RobinsonFuneralHomes.com , or in person at Robinson Funeral Home Downtown Easley which is assisting the family.

The Rev. Curtis Wilson Barnett, 92, of Cheyenne passed away July 16, 2021 at Davis Hospice Center surrounded by family. Curtis was born August 26, 1928 in Chicago, Illinois to Gayle and Lillian (Wilson) Barnett. He married Kathryn Evenson on May 28, 1955 in Oak Park, Illinois. They had four children and later divorced. He married Elizabeth Walsten on February 12, 1984 in Sheridan, Wyoming. Curtis served in the US Army. He earned a Bachelors degree in Psychology and Accounting from Maryville College in Tennessee. He graduated from McCormick Seminary in Chicago. He was a Pastor for many churches in Nebraska and Wyoming under the Presbyterian Church (USA). Curtis enjoyed fishing, canoeing, backpacking, and being in the outdoors, as well as leading Bible studies and playing Bridge. Curtis is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Barnett; children, Ronald (Laura) Barnett of Sandy, UT, David Barnett of Ellensburg, WA, Thomas Barnett of Cheyenne, and Jenny Barnett (Mike Gregg) of Pendleton, OR; step-daughters, Dana (Tim) LeRoy of Sheridan, WY, and Adria Kistler of Cheyenne; brother, Charles (Charlotte) Barnett of Westminster, CO; grandchildren, Sarah, Kristen, and Timmy; step-grandchildren, Tommy, and Daniel; and great-granddaughter, Marley. Curtis was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Carol Bell. An informal gathering will be held at Lakeview Chapel at Schrader, Aragon and Jacoby Funeral Home Wednesday, July 21st, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. A Memorial service will be held at Lakeview Chapel at Schrader, Aragon and Jacoby Funeral Home 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 22nd at 11:00 a.m. Reception to follow at the Schrader Reception Center. Private family graveside services to be held at a later date. In lieu of flower donations may be made in Curtis’s name to Davis Hospice Center or the charity of your choice. A live stream of the memorial service will be available at at this webpage, for those unable to attend.

Nancy Hooven Barr, 78 of West Haven died Easter Sunday morning, April 9, 2023 at the Grimes Center in New Haven. She was the wife of William K. Barr, aka “Railroad Bill.” They were married for fifty years. She was born on September 20, 1944 in Trenton, New Jersey. She was the daughter of the late James and Dorothy Hooven. In addition to her husband, she is survived by brothers Lynn Hooven of Macon, Georgia, Ralph Hooven of Lambertville, New Jersey and a sister Jane Glass of Elk Ridge, Maryland.
Mrs. Barr graduated with a degree in education from Maryville College in Maryville, Tennessee. She later taught for several years in public schools in New Jersey and later in the City of New Haven. She later began a career in accounting, insurance and real estate. Her most recent position was Chamberlin Insurance in West Haven.

Mrs. Barr was an active member of the Golden Rod Chapter, #34 of the Order of the Eastern Star of Annawon Lodge. She rose through the chairs and served as Chapter Worthy Matron several times. She was also elevated to the position of Grand Worthy Matron of the State of Connecticut, where she oversaw all Eastern Star State chapters of AF&AM affiliations.

She was a communicant of the Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit in West Haven, where she sang in the choir.

Marion was born on April 21, 1924 and passed away on Sunday, December 16, 2018. Marion was a resident of Onancock, Virginia at the time of passing. She graduated from Pleasantville HS in 1941 and went on to earn her Bachelor's of Education degree from Maryville College in Maryville, TN. A Memorial Service will be held at Commonwealth Senior Living (formerly, The Hermitage, 23610 North Street, Onancock, VA on February 2, 2019 at 2:00 p.m., with The Reverends Berkley Ford and Robert Fletcher officiating. Donations may be made to: Riverside Shore Hospice P.O. Box 616, Onley VA 23418 http://riversidehospice.org/ Memorial Service at the Commonwealth Senior Living (Hermitage) at 2:00 PM on February 2, 2019. Memorial contributions may be made to Riverside Shore Hospice, P.O. Box 615, Onley, VA 23418.

Sandra V. Scofield Bartz, (also known as “Sandy”), went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on June 13, 2021, at age 78. As a longtime resident of Hudson, Ohio, she was an educator, writer, speaker, wife, mother, and grandmother. Her life began in Detroit, MI on September 21, 1942. At age 8, her family moved to Glenside, PA and she graduated from Abington High School in 1960. She obtained her BA degree in English from Maryville College in 1964. Then she pursued a graduate degree at the University of Maryland receiving her MA in English in 1968. She began her career in 1964 teaching English at Upper Dublin High School, PA. Upon completing her MA, Sandy became a book editor for J. B. Lippincott Publishing in Philadelphia. W. Frederick Bartz, Jr. and Sandy were wed on May 30, 1970, and moved from PA to Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota. Sandy commuted daily to her English teaching position at Red River High School in Grand Forks. The next move was to Clear Lake City, TX, where Sandy joined the faculty of Pasadena School District’s Sam Rayburn High School. Moving to Ohio brought them first to North Olmsted and then Hudson where Sandy began teaching English at Hudson High School. During the decade of the 1980’s, Sandy gave birth to two sons. Becoming a mom meant changing job assignments from teaching other children to raising her own. She was the ultimate mom, supporting her sons Rick and Dan through school with plenty of help on English assignments. As her sons grew up, Sandy became an interpreter at Hale Farm and Village, and she also started and ran her own antique business known as Sandy’s Sampler, which still exists today. In 1990, Sandy was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. During her prolonged treatments, her faith in Christ deepened. In her 31 years as a cancer survivor, she developed an intense desire to share God’s faithfulness in her life to inspire and encourage other women. Sandy relished speaking to Stonecroft Ministries’ Christian Women’s Clubs and Women’s Connection groups around Ohio and surrounding states, telling her life story as a reflection of Christ’s message of redemption, love, and hope. She wrote devotions that were published in The Anchor and The Upper Room. She was also recruited as one of the original twelve writing contributors to Sarah Young’s Jesus Calling Devotional Bible. She finished her career teaching English in 2013, retiring from her final role as adjunct professor at Kent State University. Sandy will be lovingly remembered for her boisterous laugh, her hearty prayers, her love of the history hidden in small treasures, and her relentless encouragement of others. Preceded in death by parents, Donald and Kathryn Scofield, Sandy is survived by her husband of 51 years, Fred; sons, Warren F. Bartz, III, Daniel W. (Annika) Bartz; brother, Daniel W. (Judy) Scofield, and two grandchildren, Sofia and Arlo. The funeral service will be conducted by Pastor Donald Kline, Ph.D., on Monday, June 28, 2021, at 11:00 AM at Parkside Church, 7100 Pettibone Road, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023. Friends may call on Sunday, June 27, 2021, from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM at Redmon Funeral Home, 3633 Darrow Road, Stow, OH 44224. Interment will be at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, Seville, OH on Tuesday, June 29, 2021, at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Sandy’s name can be made to Stonecroft Ministries, P.O. Box 8900, Kansas City, MO 64114. Online this can be done at stonecroft.org/donate/ (REDMON, STOW, 330-688-6631)

Coach Thomas (Tom) Sidney Bass, 78, of 42 Hickory Way and husband of Dee M. Bass died Saturday, December 14, 2013 at his home. Born in Mooresville, NC, he was the only son of the late Thomas Gilmore and Ola Mae Bass. He was also predeceased by his only sibling Janice Wingate and her husband Tommy of Mooresville, NC. He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Dee Bass of the home; the mother of his children, Susan P. Keaton of Abbeville, SC; children, Stephen (Barbara) Bass of Seneca, Laura Bass of Austin, TX and John (Samantha) Bass of Anderson, SC; step-daughter, Dee Anne (Robbie) Shoenleben of Liberty, SC; cherished and beloved grandchildren, Ian Shoenleben, Andrew Bass, Hannah Bass and Harper Bass; brothers-in-law Larry (Barbara) Morgan of Englewood, TN and Jerry Morgan of Madisonville, TN; and a number of Aunts and nieces and nephews. Coach Bass was a graduate of Mooresville High School, Maryville College in Tennessee; Edinburgh Scotland; and the Sports Academy in Mobile, AL. Tom served in the 82nd Airborne Pathfinders during the Korean Conflict, making 69 jumps. Tom’s coaching career spanned 41 years having coached at Sevier County Tennessee for 4 years where he had Dolly Parton as a student; 1 year at Univ. of Tennessee; 14 years at Clemson University under 5 different coaches; 20 years at Seneca High School where he served as Athletic Director and Head Coach; and after 10 years of retirement returned for 1 year at Seneca High School. Tom loved football, golf and was an avid reader. He was a proud member of the “morning coffee club” where he shared his morning coffee with his many friends. He loved his family and especially his grandchildren. Tom was a member of First Baptist Church of Clemson.

Ann E. (Haygood) Bauman, 92, formerly of Natrona Heights, PA, died on Monday, March 13, 2017 at Oak Hill Nursing Home, Greensburg, PA. Ann was born on Tuesday, November 25, 1924 in Chicago, IL to the late James and Hazel (Henry) Haygood. Ann graduated from Mount Lebanon High School Class of 1942 and later Westminster College where she earned a BA in Business and went on to work as a teacher’s aide at Wood Street Elementary in Natrona. Ann was a member of Grace United Methodist Church, loved animals, and enjoyed reading, playing piano, sewing, and doing genealogy. She leaves behind to cherish her memory her two daughters, Kathy Bauman of Latrobe and Gale Bauman of Alameda, CA. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Dale E. Bauman on November 23, 2013.

Mark C Baxis passed away on March 20, 2019

Baxter, James (Jim), 79, of Seaford, DE, died surrounded by loved ones at his home on March 12, 2020. Jim was born on April 16th, 1940 as the only child of Archibald and Neva May Baxter. He is survived by his wife, Judy, their four daughters, Heather Feighery [Mike], of Stephens City, VA; Kim Smith [David] of Seaford, DE; Melinda Blanche [Gary] of Centreville, MD; and Tracy Betcher [Rich] of Stevensville, MD; as well as his fifteen grandchildren. Born in Abington, Pennsylvania, Jim was a graduate of Temple University High School in Philadelphia, Class of 1958. Wrestling was a life-long passion, Jim attended Maryville College in Tennessee, where he was a three-time all-American. He was inducted into their sports hall of fame in 1999. After Maryville, Jim transferred to Black Hills College in North Dakota, where he coached and recruited for their Wrestling Program. Jim competed in the Olympic trials at the 1964 World’s Fair in New York City. Jim retired after teaching High School and coaching wrestling in Burlington County, NJ for 36 years, where he helped shape the character of countless students through the years. He was also the proprietor of Aqua Pools, serving his loyal customer base for many years in Southern New Jersey. Jim enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, boating, playing golf, and working on projects around his home. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, March 17th, 2020 at 11:00 am, with a visitation 1 hour prior, 10:00 – 11:00 am, at Saint John’s United Methodist Church, 300 North Pine Street, Seaford, DE 19973. Following the service will be a private interment at Cokesbury Cemetery in Sussex County, DE. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Jim’s name to Seasons Hospice, 220 Continental Drive, Suite 407, Newark, DE 19713. Arrangements are in the care of Holloway Funeral Home, PA, 501 Snow Hill Road, Salisbury, MD 21804. Please visit www.hollowayfh.com to express condolences to the family.

After a long illness, Carol McCutcheon Bayless passed away on 23 August 2016. She was born in 1924, in Elizabeth, New Jersey. At three she moved to the country town of Pittstown, New Jersey. The next year she began her schooling in a one-room schoolhouse where she continued until the age of twelve. At thirteen she began high school at Flemington High School. She graduated four years later at the age of sixteen. She matriculated to Maryville College in Tennessee where she majored in math and graduated summa cum laude in 1945. In 1946 she married Robert W. Bayless, a first lieutenant Marine Corps pilot. For sixty-seven years Carol was a professional mother; she had three children. In 1961, she undertook a new career, math teacher. With her profound understanding of math and of children, she became a master teacher and tutor, teaching for a total of thirty-three years (32 years at Palm Beach Day School) and tutoring for fifty-five years. She is predeceased by her husband, and her son, Hugh Wallace Bayless. She is survived by her son, Robert V. Bayless (Alice), and her daughter, Barbara Bayless Close (Thomas); by four grandchildren: Julia Close (Pete Gallogly), Bob Close (Staci), Felix Monell, and Robert Bayless; and five great-grandchildren: Ayden, Benjamin, and Cade Gallogly, and Sean and Devin Close. A memorial service will be celebrated on Sunday, 11 September, at 2:00PM, at Palm Beach Day Academy, 241 Seaview Avenue, Palm Beach. Rather than flowers, please donate to Palm Beach Day Academy (designate Carol Bayless on memo) where an appropriate memorial will be established.

Verneda Bayless, age 87, a resident of Belen, passed away on Friday, June 25, 2010.

Catherine Stout Beals, age 94 of Louisville, passed away Friday, July 24, 2020, at UT Medical Center. She was a member of Second Presbyterian Church of Knoxville and former member of New Providence Presbyterian Church of Maryville. She worked at New Providence Presbyterian while she was student at Maryville College, Class of 1947. She was also a member of the Lakemoor Hills Garden Club, a mentor to two people in the Big Brothers & Big Sisters, and helped teach line dancing at Volunteer Christian Ministries. She was deeply loved and was very active in her church. Preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Joe D. Beals, Jr. M.D.; son, Brian Mark Beals; parents, George and Marion Haseloff Stout; sisters, Marion Wilson and Eleanor Barker. Survivors include her sons, Joe D. Beals III and wife Bonnie, Brent Beals; several nieces and nephews. A private graveside service will be at Magnolia Cemetery. Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the mission fund at Second Presbyterian Church, 2829 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919 or to Helen Ross McNabb, 201 Springdale Street, Knoxville, TN 37917 www.mccammoammonsclick.com

went to his heavenly home Sunday, January 4, 2015. Born on August 5, 1924 in Montgomery, AL, he was the son of the late Ted H. Beasley, Sr. and Mattie Emily Law Beasley. Ted was a veteran of the US Navy during World War II. He graduated from Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, GA earning a Master of Divinity and of Maryville College in Maryville, TN earning his undergraduate degree. He began his ministry serving two churches at the same time, Fishing Creek Presbyterian Church and Uriel Presbyterian Church both in Chester, SC. He next served as pastor at Panthersville Presbyterian Church in Decatur, GA and later served at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Florence, SC. His final pastoral service was at Armstrong Memorial Presbyterian Church in Gastonia from 1975 until his retirement in 1990. Ted was always looking out for others and put his family and friends first in his life. Survivors include, his loving wife, Ann Lindsay Beasley of Gastonia; sons T.H. “Trey” Beasley, III and wife, Jan of FL, Boyd Beasley and wife, Beth of Huntersville; daughter, Kaye Beasley- Rash and husband, Rick of Blowing Rock; step-daughter, Cynthia Lindsay Green and husband, Gary of FL; brother, Ray Beasley and wife, Sue of AL; sister, Judy Beasley of AL; grandchildren, T.H. “Brook” Beasley, IV and wife, Olivia of Charlotte; Connor and Owen Beasley; and great-grandchildren, Hayden, Noah and Kendall Beasley. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 3:00pm, Sunday, January 11, 2015 at Myers Memorial United Methodist Church in Gastonia with Rev. Dr. Sydnor Thompson, III and Rev. Dr. Jim Cockerham officiating. Myers Memorial is the longtime church of Ann and where they began their life together in marriage in 1989. The family will receive friends following the service in the vestibule. Ted was preceded in death by his first wife, Barbara Boyd Beasley; brother, Harold Beasley and his wife, Nita; and sister, Jean Sanders and her husband, Cecil. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be sent to: Maryville College, 502 E. Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Maryville, TN, 37804

The family of Karson Leitch Beaty (nee Karson Shea Leitch) regretfully reports her passing in Knoxville, Tennessee on August 4, 2017 at the age of 41. Karson grew up in Stone Mountain, Georgia, attending Stone Mountain High School where she acted in several school plays as an active member of the drama program. Beginning her life-long interest in community service, Karson volunteered for the Appalachia Service Project throughout high school and continued as a staff member during her college years until 1997, when she completed her service as a Center Director. She continued her interest in acting at Maryville College in Tennessee while obtaining her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Sign Language, with a minor in Theater. While at Maryville she founded the college’s chapter of Habitat for Humanity and was nominated upon graduation for Outstanding Sociology Student. Karson was subsequently awarded a Masters in Social Work degree from the University of Tennessee Knoxville. After graduation from UT, Karson was hired as a social worker for TEIS (Tennessee Early Intervention System). She then worked for East Tennessee Children’s Hospital as a social worker in the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology department. These positions were perfect fits because of her love for children. In 2007 Karson was diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer and in 2009 her condition progressed to Stage IV metastatic. Throughout all of her difficult treatments she maintained her characteristic smile, positive attitude and desire to help others. She inspired many by never giving up hope for recovery. She never believed that she “lost a battle” with cancer. Instead, she always rose above it, even in her final days. Karson is survived by her mother Leigh Essex Walker, stepfather Jeff Walker, father David Leitch, and stepmother, Janice Leitch. She is also survived by her brother Kirk Leitch, sister-in-law Lindsey Leitch, niece Harper Leitch, brother Marty Tomlinson, sister Rachael Shook, brother-in-law Cody Shook, brother Connor Leitch, and sister Jordan Leitch. Karson was a member of Cokesbury United Methodist Church, Knoxville. Donations in memory of Karson may be made to Wind River Cancer Wellness Programs, 430 Larsen Lane, Tryon, NC 28782, www.windriverservices.org/donate. Funeral services were held on Saturday, August 12, 2017 in Roswell, Georgia. A Celebration of Life gathering will be held in Knoxville, Tennessee in September.

Cinda Beeler, age 71 of Lenoir City passed away Sunday morning, January 31, 2021. Preceded in death by her husband of 33 years, Paul L. Beeler; parents, Howard and Lou Bobo; brother, Michael Bobo; grandparents, Howard and Nada Bobo; brother-in-law, Don Brown. She is survived by her sisters, Barbara Badger , Judy McPherson and husband, Randy; nieces and nephews: Kristen Badger, Michael Badger and wife, Kayla, Hilary Hudson and husband, Mark, Jared McPherson and wife, Shannon; great niece and nephew, Elsie and Jonah; sisters-in-law and brothers-in law, Melinda and Randall Morton, Sue Ann and Carl Smith all of Lenior City; nieces and nephews: Carla Tallman and husband, Jim, David Smith and wife, Elizabeth, Gwen Embry and husband, David; several great nieces and nephews; good friends, Dannah Reuland, Augustus Hughes and Angela May. A special thank you to her nurses, Melissa Buckner, Kristie Ellis, Angela May, Roxie Taylor, and Sophia Massong. Friends may come by Click Funeral Home to pay their respects. Graveside services will be held at 1 pm on Friday, February 12th in the Lakeview Cemetery. Click Funeral Home, 109 Walnut Street, Lenoir City is in charge of arrangements.

Janie Beatrice Mitchell Bell, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2017 at Blount Memorial Hospital. She was born in Maryville on June 14, 1937 to parents Cecil and Ruby (Teffeteller) Mitchell. She was a 1959 graduate of the East Tennessee Baptist Hospital School of Nursing and a 1985 graduate of Maryville College. She proudly served as a Registered Nurse at Blount Memorial her full nursing career. She is preceded in death by infant son, Stephen Bell and is survived by husband, Howard C. Bell, Jr.; son and daughter in law, Mike and Donna (Ross) Bell of Elkins, West Virginia; grandchildren, Stephen Ross Bell of Lakeland, Florida and Carlyn Marie Bell of Middleburg, Florida; siblings, Barbara (Mitchell) Tipton of Maryville, Douglas Bobby Mitchell of Mesa, Arizona and James and Anna Ray (Franklin) Mitchell of St. Louis, MO; brother and sister in law, Doug and Priscilla Bell of Alcoa. She enjoyed traveling and cheering for University of Tennessee sports and was a lover of animals. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to PPAW Spay & Neuter Clinic, P.O. Box 68 , Greenback TN 37742. Graveside service and interment was 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 17, 2017 at Grandview Cemetery. Family received friends at Miller Funeral Home, Maryville, (865) 982-6041, www.millerfuneralhome.org

Carol Helen Bell BURLESON–Carol H. Bell, 89, of Burleson, Texas, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020. CELEBRATION OF LIFE: 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020, at Laurel Land Chapel of Chimes. Carol was born in Chicago, Ill., on Sept. 16, 1930, and was married to Robert R Bell on Aug. 15, 1954, in Decatur, Ill. She graduated from Maryville College with a music degree had a passion for playing the piano and organ. SURVIVORS: Carol is survived by daughters, Kathy O’Dillon, Diana Blain, and Virginia Fisher; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and two brothers.

Margaret Elizabeth Bell passed away peacefully on October 10, 2021, surrounded by loved ones at home in Denver, Colorado. Margaret was born in Maryville, Tennessee, the daughter of Jeffrey Arnold Hill and Ada Suzanne McCoskey Hill. She graduated from Farragut High School and Maryville College. Margaret married her best friend, The Rev. Dr. John Henry Bell, Jr. in 1983 after a whirlwind courtship.

Margaret dedicated her life and career to service. She engaged faith communities at the Pastoral Institute in Columbus, Georgia. Later, she worked for Metro-Denver Habitat for Humanity. She often supported young people in athletic, creative, and artistic endeavors. She was a member of and served as a Deacon at Wellshire Presbyterian Church and led mission trips to Haiti, Mexico, Israel, Jordan, and Nepal. In recent years, she volunteered as a home tutor for refugees and mentored high school students at East High School. At the time of her death, she was President of the Board of Haiti Partners and Program Coordinator and Retreat Leader for Casting for Recovery Colorado, which provides free, healing fly fishing retreats for women with breast cancer, a cause for which she was most passionate.

Margaret was diagnosed with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer in 2014 and faced her illness with tenacity, courage, and positivity. She was sustained through faith, family, friends, fly fishing, and the prayers of many. She would not be defined by her illness. Her enthusiasm for life was contagious. Margaret was gracious, kind-hearted, creative, joyful, and jovial. She loved to gather friends and strangers to celebrate, and she deemed any occasion worthy of a celebration. Her glass was always half full, if not overflowing.

She is survived by her mother, Ada Suzanne McCoskey Hill; husband of 38 years, The Rev. Dr. John Henry Bell, Jr.; their daughters, Megan Bell Schmoll (Joseph), and Katherine Elizabeth Bell; adored granddaughter, Elizabeth Schmoll; Matthew Griffith (Lauren); Larry Hill (Carol); and her constant companion English Labrador, Ruthie.

Elizabeth Proffitt Bell passed away on November 24, 2023, at the age of 99. She was born in Maryville, Tennessee on July 29, 1924, to the late; Harry H. Proffitt Sr. and late; Lelia Graham Proffitt. Elizabeth graduated in 1946 with her bachelor’s degree in education, from Maryville College in Tennessee. She worked for University of Tennessee extension service and Cannon County school district. She was also a dedicated member of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. Elizabeth is preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 57 years, Winfred Dean Bell; her six siblings: Dr. James N. Proffitt (Ruth), Harry H. Proffitt Jr. (Margaret), Mary Proffitt Wright (Dr. Robert C. ), Margaret Proffitt Cunningham (Ben), twin brother; William F. Proffitt (Vera), and Dr. Robert D. Proffitt. She is survived by her son; Marlon Dean Bell (Beth), grandchildren: James Michael Bell (Claire), and Emily Elizabeth Brooks (Edward), great-grandchildren: Eliza, Evelyn, Edison, and Cameron. Elizabeth is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Joseph Michael Bender died at Asbury Place in Kingsport, Tennessee on March 18th. Joe was born in Milford, NJ on March 20th, 1931, and graduated with degrees from Maryville College and the University of Tennessee. At Maryville he worked various jobs, played varsity football, joined the Marine Corps, and met his wife of 68 years Carolyn Marshall Bender.
After service during the Korean War, Joe worked in Human Resources at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. He then moved to Kingsport in 1973 where he worked in Personnel, among other jobs, at Eastman Kodak. Joe also served in the active Marine Corps Reserve and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after 27 years combined service.
Joe was an active member of Colonial Heights UMC and a leader in various civic clubs.

He is survived by his wife Carolyn, children Lise, Michael, and Joanna and his grandchildren Adam and Angela Bender. The family thanks Smoky Mountain Hospice nurse Carey Young and the nurses of Asbury Healthcare Center for kind, compassionate care.

Ilda Mosby Bennett, 89, of Maryville, wife of the late Duncan C. Bennett, passed away Tuesday, March 31, 2015. Ilda graduated from Maryville College in 1949 and worked for many years in the Maryville College bookstore and post office. She leaves four children, Rosalind Magnuson, Rebecca Bennett, Geoffrey Bennett and Adrienne Bennett; three grandchildren, Emily Lancaster, Sara Pope and Duncan Bennett; and close friends, Carol Luther and Al Baker.